For those looking for more plant-based recipes, this is one for you! This Three Bean Chili is one of our newest, family favorites. It’s packed with so many good ingredients and delicious flavors, you’ll think you’re eating at a restaurant. And, one of the best things? It takes only 30 minutes to make!
Plant-based & Protein
We aren’t vegan or vegetarian, or even plant-based. However, I realize a lot of friends are headed in that direction. As we dive into this new season of life, I’ve been looking at old recipes and working on recreating them in ways that would serve people who are looking to eat more meals packed with plants and plant proteins.
In this Three Bean Chili I’m using Bush’s Mixed Chili Beans that include Kidney Beans and Pinto Beans and Bush’s Black Beans. However, I’d also recommend substituting Bush’s Black Chili Beans instead of regular for added flavor. The chili sauce in Bush’s Chili Beans makes for the perfect base for any chili creation! Each can of Bush’s Beans has 7 grams of protein, and if you’re counting calories, they have 120 calories and 110 calories respectively. Plus, they’re loaded with fiber. Aside from the nutrition benefits in the Bush’s Beans, they also taste amazing. They provide full and robust flavor for the Three Bean Chili. I promise, you won’t miss the meat.
Loaded with flavor
Aside from the Bush’s Beans, the Three Bean Chili is loaded with flavor. I use jalapeños and red onions as a base to start off. I know that sounds spicy but it’s not. I don’t use the seeds in the jalapeños to keep the spice down. However, if you like spice, keep some of the seeds.
Then I use two spices that pair so well together, but they might be a surprise: chili powder and cocoa powder. These two together are almost magical. They really round out the flavor in the whole dish to create a comforting meal everyone will love.
Working with leftovers
If you have extra Three Bean Chili when you’re done, you can keep it in the refrigerator for 4-5 days. You can reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. Microwave each bowl for about four minutes.
You can also freeze this chili for four months. Just make sure it’s in an airtight. You can use bags or containers. I would let it thaw in the refrigerator for a day before reheating.
Topping options
I, personally, do not use toppings on the Three Bean Chili. I’ve found that anything I use kind of takes away from the incredible flavors of the chili. I like to eat it as is with a spoon. However, I get some people have a thing with toppings (like my husband).
So, if you want to add anything, maybe add in a little sour cream, a few green onions and/or cilantro. This is also delicious if you want to eat it with chips.
Get the full printable recipe below and make sure to check out our Turkey Chili recipe {HERE} too!
Three Bean Chili
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil
- 1 large red onion, diced
- 3 tsp. of garlic, pureed
- 1 jalapeno, chopped and seeds removed if you don't want the spice
- 3 Tbsp. chili powder
- 1 Tbsp. cocoa powder
- 2 cans Bush’s Mixed Chili Beans (15.5 oz.)
- 2 cans Bush’s Black Beans in a MildChili Sauce (15.5)
- 2 cans diced tomatoes
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Add the olive oil to a large pot or Dutch oven and heat
- Add in the onions and jalapeños and cook for three minutes stirring regularly
- Add in the garlic puree, the chili powder and cocoa powder and cook for two more minutes, coating the vegetables and stirring continuously.
- Add in the Bush’s Beans, tomatoes, and vegetable broth and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer 20 minutes.
- Serve immediately
I absolutely love to make chili for the family during the winter. It’s one of our favorite cold weather dishes. I can’t wait to make this.
I have a big can of pinto beans that I received from my kid’s school. I was thinking about making chili so I will have to try your recipe.
There is nothing better than a simple and easy chili recipe! Now I am wishing I had a bowl
This chili looks delicious! I’ve made lots of chili in my days but I’ve never used three different types of beans. I know my kids would love this!
This chili looks so good. I love making chili. I’m always up for trying a new chili recipe though. I’ll have to try this one.
This chili looks amazing! I can’t wait to make it. My family is going to love it.
The chili recipe looks so easy and fast to make. I will have to try it soon!
A warm chili bowl is exactly what I need right now! This chili sound easy to make and so hearty. Yum!
This looks so good. I love black beans. This chili bowl seems fantastic!
So tasty, simple and quick! Perfect chili for a cold wintery day.
We have friends that loves chili recipes. They collect them like artwork. LOL. I will take this one with me the next time I see them. That way they can make it while I’m there. Smart, right?
This chili is so easy to make and perfect for when you need to throw together dinner in a dash.
Looks really tasty
Chili sounds so good right now! Even though it is warming up I could eat chili year round!
That chili looks so good. The cornbread on the side is a great addition.
We love having chili in the winter! This sounds delicious. I’ll have to try this version.
I love chili, especially during the winter. The more beans the better, so this is perfect for me.
I love a good chili recipe. Looking forward to making this for my family.
This looks so healthy. I just wish my son would eat things like this.
Totally chili weather here, such a great comfort food. Your recipe looks delicious!
Nothing is better than a simple and easy-to-make chilli. Now I’m hungry!
That looks really delicious and sounds like a nice meal to prepare for tonight’s dinner.
We love all variations of chili in my house. I agree about the chili beans as opposed the the regular beans. I normally just use regular beans. But, the Bush’s brand chili spice is really good. So, I will typically grab them if I can for chili.
Hmmm yum! I am so excited to try this Three Bean Chili Recipe! I love spicy food and this is perfect.
Looks so yummy. I don’t know why but I think I would love it as a beer match.
This looks really good and tasty. I am going to make this for my sibling, and I am sure they will love this.
The beans got me craving so much. I love that it’s spicy and tomatoey, something that I always loved about soups.
This looks absolutely delish. I love trying different types of chili. I am definitely going to try yours now!
I usually like my chili without beans but this looks yummy
I LOVE these beans, and chilli so I will definitely be making this recipe! I miss fall, I want chilli and flannels! haha
This was such a great recipe will be making it again very soon!
This looks so yummy and filling! I’d eat it over potatoes, with cheese like it is “chili cheese fries.”
I would love a bowl of chili right now! It’s super cold today and this looks delicious.
I love having chili during the cold months. Your chili looks so good!
I my husband and I are big fans of chile. I will try this out.
Now I know what I will make for dinner tonight. Sounds easy and it’s a dish that everyone in my family will love.
I wish I would have saw this recipe the other night! This sounds like a great chili recipe.
We are expecting rain tomorrow, so I think chili sounds perfect. I like how easy and full of flavor your recipe is, thanks for sharing
we are vegetarian and this looks perfect..
Looks like such a yummy recipe!
Beautiful soup.
YUM! I absolutely LOVE chili and this looks SO tasty!
Looking very delicious. Me and my husband loves spicy foods. I hope we got that type of product here in our country.
I love chili for cold days, and I have never had a 3 bean one, but it does look delicious and need to make it soon
This sounds delicious. What a perfect winter recipe. So hearty and filling!
I love that I can deal with leftovers easily. Just reheat and voila! I can eat again. Thanks.
Three bean chili is my fave. It’s been awhile since I made it!
Gettin’ ALL the fiber in on this one! 🙂 Looks hearty and delicious!
This looks SO good. Unfortunately, my husband REFUSES to eat beans. Last time I made this, he refused to eat it. 🙁 And it was too much leftovers for just me. lol
Great chili recipe. I loved it.
Spicy food is life! This Three Bean Chili looks absolutely perfectly delish. I am so excited to make this.
That looks so delicious. I think my kids will love this chili recipe. They love beans too.
Love chili bowls ❤️ And this Three Bean Chili looks absolutely yummilicious 😍 My family would love this for sure👌🏻
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This looks really yummy! I will definitely give it a try. Thanks for sharing this recipe with us.